Orlando Pirates’ Sbangani Zulu warns rivals after emphatic 4-0 victory

Orlando Pirates defender Sbangani Zulu has warned their Betway Premiership rivals that the Soweto club will be difficult to stop when playing with confidence, after they strengthened their position at the top of the table with a 4-0 win over Kruger United.

Pirates produced another commanding performance against the league newcomers at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night. The result gave the Buccaneers a three-point advantage over second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns as the Betway Premiership heads into a recess.

Zambian striker Gamphani Lungu set Pirates on their way after only four minutes, converting from the penalty spot. Boitumelo Radiopane then added a second before Yanela Mbuthuma completed the scoring with a double to secure all three points for Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side.

The victory continued Pirates’ strong run of results and increased the pressure on the teams chasing them at the top of the standings. Their next period of football will also include a return to continental competition, with CAF Champions League action awaiting the Buccaneers after the domestic league break.

Zulu, 22, joined Orlando Pirates at the start of the current campaign from Richards Bay. After being named Man of the Match against Kruger United, the defender used his post-match interview on SuperSport TV to send a direct message to any side preparing to face Pirates.

“When we play with confidence, you won’t do anything to us,” he said.

The young defender added that Pirates were not intimidated by any opponent they might encounter.

“We don’t fear anyone [that we come up against].”

His comments came after a one-sided match in which Pirates converted their early advantage into a convincing victory. Lungu’s penalty provided the platform, while Radiopane and Mbuthuma ensured the team finished the evening with a decisive margin.

For Kruger United, the defeat came in their first campaign as rookies in the Betway Premiership. Pirates, meanwhile, left Mbombela Stadium with another important result and a lead of three points over Mamelodi Sundowns before the competition pauses.

The break will give Orlando Pirates time to prepare for their CAF Champions League commitments, while their domestic rivals look to close the gap when league football resumes. Zulu’s warning suggests the Buccaneers believe their confidence and current form can make them a particularly difficult opponent in the matches ahead.

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